A traveller's home base

Most of the decorations were acquired as Ambroziak and her late husband travelled around the world.

Photograph by: Dave Sidaway
, Montreal Gazette

London-born Marilyn Ambroziak has led a colourful life. A free spirit at 66 ("but 19 in my head") Marilyn, a bubbly blond who bears more than a passing resemblance to singer Marianne Faithfull, lives by the credo "live, love, laugh," a slogan that she has painted on the archway leading from her kitchen to the dining room. As a young woman she got the taste for travel - something that she loves still. She ended up in Paris where she married a rock musician "because her visitor visa ran out." During the seven years they were together, she met many famous performers, among them Janis Joplin, Chuck Berry and Jimi Hendrix.

SURELY YOU DIDN'T GET MARRIED JUST BECAUSE YOUR VISA RAN OUT?

Well, not entirely (laughing). This was in the days before the European Union and as a single person it was difficult to live and work in another country. We eventually got divorced and I subsequently remarried, but my ex and I still keep in touch.

WHAT HAPPENED AFTER PARIS?

I met my second husband who imported rugs and tapestries from the Middle East and the Orient. He happened to be a Montrealer but we lived in a country house in a hamlet in East Sussex for much of our married life. We had three children - they're now adults and my first grandchild is on the way - but unfortunately, he died in 2006.

A lot of the things you see in the apartment were picked up on our travels. This comes from Java (she points to a large olive green and brown chest with wooden wheels, embellished with folk art). It's known as a "grobog" and was modelled after the sea chests used by European captains hundreds of years ago.

AND THE LITTLE RUG AND STATUE ON TOP OF IT?

The statue is super heavy. It comes from Bali. I think she's a Hindu goddess. I used to hang my jewelry on her. The rug comes from Afghanistan.

HOW ON EARTH DID YOU END UP IN THE POINT?

I'd been managing a big house for years and in 2008, I decided it was time to downsize.

I knew I wanted to live in the Point but I was actually a bit worried that I wouldn't be able to rent an apartment. I was lucky though.

The landlord's wife immediately picked up on my English accent. She's from the UK as well, so that was that - the good old Brit connection at work!

WHAT WAS IT YOU LIKED ABOUT THE APARTMENT?

Everything! I loved all the unusual architectural details - the archways over the open plan living and dining room, the sunken bath, the huge balcony at the back and the kick-ass kitchen with the centre island -. My first thought was "what a great place for a party!"

I spent an entire month decorating and painting before I moved in.

YOUR PASTEL WALLS REALLY SET OFF ALL YOUR TREASURES.

I had way more than these. When I sold the house, I tried to get rid of as much stuff as possible except things that had a special meaning.

LIKE THE PAPIER MÂCHE TIGER'S HEAD ABOVE THE SOFA?

Oddly enough, my husband and I picked that up at an auction. It had been part of the Mexican pavilion at EXPO 67 and we got it for $75.

At the time we thought it was quite expensive but I've since learned that it's an original Sergio Bustamente. He's now an internationally renowned Mexican artist and sculptor and the tiger's head is apparently worth at least several thousand dollars. I don't care though. To me it has sentimental value. It reminds me of a time when I was young and in love!

SHELTER

Shelter is a weekly series featuring a conversation with tenants or condo owners.

Tenants: 66-year-old Marilyn Ambroziak and Frankie the cat

Location: Point St. Charles

Been there since: since July 2008

Rent: $950 (excluding hydro and heat)

Size: 2-bedroom with an open plan living room, dining room and kitchen

SHELTER

SHOW AND TELL

See more of this apartment and some of its other interesting spaces by viewing our interactive online feature Shelter Show and Tell at montrealgazette.com/shelter

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